Sunday, January 1, 2017

Happy New Year.....

Happy New Year everyone. I thought we could all use a photo of Little Buddy to start the New Year off the right way. Although he woke up on the wrong side of the toddler bed today, I did get him to smile a wee bit. Maybe he was up in the middle of the night having a party in his bed, Lord knows the rest of my neighborhood was out shooting off fireworks and making all sorts of noise.

As for me I was in bed hoping to start the New Year rested. My goal every year is to have Christmas firmly put away up in my attic before the New Year starts. I want to start off fresh, that means a massive cleaning of my house, sheets washed, garbage out and two trips to the Goodwill with trunk loads of things to donate. I want a clean fresh start to the year.

Even my office/studio got a good cleaning and some rearranging. It feels good to get things in place.

This is where I visit all of you. Sitting in this chair and drinking tea. It is lovely to share time with you.

I also dropped off more donated yarn. Over 4,000 yards, I am trying to be ruthless with my space and my house. I feel like I have so much stuff I don't need. My goal is to donate two to three bags of things a month. Now that does not sound like much but it will end up making a difference. I have been doing that all last year and hope to continue my progress. How did all of this get here in the first place?

Last night I surprised myself with a finish. Right before the year ended. This is my version of the Cancun Lace Boxy Top. I used 648 yards of Cotton Classic yarn, with a size 8 needle. This yarn was some of the oldest in my stash, maybe 18 years old. I am hoping to wear this with a white tank top underneath with jeans. It looks very boxy on my dress form Caroline, remember she is much smaller than me and well frankly does not have arms or hips so it looks better on a real body. Don't mention the arm thing to her she gets upset about that.

Yarn total used in 2016, 15,892 yards, up about 1,000 from 2015. That is just over 9 miles of yarn! I completed 36 projects using yarn, with no real favorite this year, well maybe my Lovey Lambs. While I added a ton to my stash, I used a lot and gave a lot away. I am hoping to use even more up this year. Well as of today I haven't bought any yarn this year!

Today I am starting my new baby ripple. I decided the blue/gray combo was not bright enough so stopped by the yarn store this past week to exchange gray for this green. It seems brighter for a baby boy.

As for 2016, I am not sorry to see you go but am very fearful for the year ahead. I read article after article about the changes that will be attempted to be made to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. While there are many who will fight for Social Security and Medicare, those who receive Medicaid generally are those who cannot fight for themselves. Little Buddy receives Medicaid to meet all of his complex medical needs. Without this very basic insurance he will not receive the therapy he needs nor be able to see his current specialists. He is one of many, many thousands of children that will be affected. If you live in Texas these changes with children are already in the works with Occupational Therapy (that is me) and Speech Therapy being the first to be targeted. There are already changes in the way we treat women's health issues, women's rights, those of a different sexual orientation, color, religious belief, and frankly anyone who is not white and male. I am not excited at how this year, and those ahead of us will turn back the rights for so many. So while 2016 was a tough year for me both mentally and emotionally, 2017 rings in whole new fears. And those fears are personal to me with my work, and for my son.

So 2017 you are here, even if I am not ready for you. All I can do is hope and pray you will not be as devastating as I feel you might be, for me, for my son, and for so many others. I feel this is the year we will look back on and wonder how we got to this point in our lives. How we let our country become a place where we are not evolving, not accepting and welcoming and of course not taking care of those who really need it. Little Buddy being high on that list.

I am wishing you all a Happy New Year with a heavy heart. Not a great way to start the New Year is it? I hope and pray I am proven wrong.

45 comments:

I do hope that these proposed changes do not have the devastating effects that you for see. Our government recently announced that certain benefits to the severely disabled will stop, I have not really absorbed the information as it will not affect me. That is such a short sighted attitude and I will be looking it up, who knows what the future will hold.Buddy is delightful to see, as always, and I confess that I get out of the wrong side of the bed some days.

Not that a kiddo is the same as a kitten, but I'm pretty sure Jack the kitten partied all night at our house - whew! Here's hoping that he and Little Buddy will both do well this year. :-)

I'm impressed with your finish - it looks lovely, and like something that would get a lot of wear in Florida. Wear it in good health.

I know what you mean about starting the year with a heavy heart. I do want it to be a good year, but I'm getting more and more nervous about things. It's up to us to do the best we can, though, so here's hoping we can make a difference.

I find the New Year time quite anxiety-making. I worry about what may lie ahead, although I try not to dwell on it. I love your office/studio, what a lovely space it is. And no doubt so very satisfying to have everything so neat and clean. I still have the tree up here, although now I am starting to long to put it away. You've completed a very impressive amount of projects this year, you must knit like the wind! I am wishing you and yours a very happy New Year. Let us hope that many good things lie ahead for us all. Hugs to you Meredith, CJ xx

I'm right there worrying with you! Most of my students are low income and if they lose access to Medicaid, it will be impossible for them to be healthy enough to learn. And who knows what will happen to public school funding with the proposed secretary of education?! Also, my husband is applying for Disability per his doctor's orders, so that is now at risk. Very scary times!

On the upside, LB's smile can put a bright spin on anything!

I love that sweater and the way you are planning to wear it.

Wishing you a very happy new year. Let's hope our worst fears are not realized!

Happy New Year! I share so many of your fears Meredith. I'm on a SS income and medicare and know many who will be in troubled without Medicaid (like Little Buddy). I worry so much about LGBTQ rights as those are dear to my heart. It's going to be a rough year but I'm going to stand tall in my beliefs! Hugs.

I love your finish and Little Buddy is beautiful no matter what side of the toddler bed he wakes up on!I am purging my house big time too and donating the masses :-)Happy New Year my Dear Friend,Danette

Happy New Year Meredith to you and your lovely family. I pray that your fears are unfounded and that 2017 will not be that traumatic year that you foresee. Sadly disability benefits and care packages are being reviewed this side of the pond too, it is indeed a sorry state of affairs. Staying positive is my only suggestion. Take care.

If Trump wants to run government like a business, then I'm guessing he will be making cuts right and left. It befuddles me that people say they voted for him because they wanted changed. Be careful what you wish for. So many now are left praying that their worst fears will not be realized with him at the helm. Everyone I know feels like they are in the Twilight Zone. On a brighter note, I love seeing your little guy and hope his mood improved as the day progressed. The sweater is really pretty and will look great with a tank and jeans. Congrats on cleaning things up so that you can start the new year fresh, and for donating so much. I plan to do the same, all Christmas decorations were put away yesterday. Now to purge and get organized. Hugs and blessings, Tammy

Thanks for brightening my mood with the photo of Little Buddy! And I love your square sweater.. looks very classy.

Now.. thank you for vocalizing how I feel. I am not excited about the new year in fact I'm downright depressed about it. I feel we've allowed a 3 ring circus to move into the white house and to run our country. To see that the first thing on their agenda is to abolish medicare is frightening. And they they plan to gut every positive thing that has been set in place to save our people and our planet over the last 8 years. I sigh a lot. I am disbelieving a lot. I am with you in hoping it's not as bad as I fear. But I'm not full of hope. I'm filled with despair. ((hugs)), Teresa :-(

I am worried sick about 2017 myself. Nothing I read makes me feel any better about handing our country over to you know who. Daddio runs out of money in six months then Medicaid will decide whether to cover him. If they don't-because of proposed state restrictions from the new admin, I don't know what I will do. What a nightmare. It's keeping me up a night.On the positive side, your spaces look wonderful. Nothing is better than starting out a new year clean and tidy. I did the same today and I'm pooped.Happy New Year!

Love, love, love your newest finish! Can't wait to see a photo of you wearing it. I don't blame you for your worries; the only good thing I can say re DT is that I did not vote for him and know few folks who did. Scary, indeed!

Oh Meredith, so much to worry about, so much change ahead, it is terrifying. I intend to live one day after the other, I have no energy left for anything else. Little Buddy, even a tired Little Buddy, makes me smile. Whatever happens, he will always have you and your and that's the most important thing of all. To a happy 2017! xx

Buddy is probably as tired as me even though I did get to sleep about 12:30 a.m. In bed before midnight but much loudness here too. But the noise was not fireworks, sound like big booms, which is annoying. I did wear ear plugs for awhile! I had a long but good day on Sat. I got a nice skein of cotton yarn from Betsy so will use it this year in my knitting escapade I'm working into my schedule. I pray that medicare and medicaid doesn't go away. I've got my brother that's on it. Others need it. Never know actually how another administration in the White House will be. Will pray that those who need the help will still receive it. Trust God and pray is what we can do. Write letters too! Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Let us hope it is a happy one. 2016 was bumpy right from the start. I think we all have to keep speaking up and speaking out. I recently re-studied Elie Wiesel's speech "The Dangers of Indifference" which really spoke to me in this time of uncertainty.--On a lighter note--I love the blue/green yarn combination and am once again amazed at how quickly you knit/crochet!

Happy New Year! I am trying very hard to be positive about 2017, not easy. I think we will all need each other a little more in the near future. Thank goodness for likeminded moral support. I'm focusing on what I can control, clearing the clutter and trying to finish projects. Your craft room looks wonderful. I love a clean tidy work space. Shame we can't clear some of the political clutter : )

I too hope you are proven wrong. Love your boxy top, the new yarn combination is great! Little Buddy's smile is so enticing. I hope he continues to receive all his necessary aids and therapies without any problem. Happy New Year!

Hi Meredith,Your heavy heart is understandable given the global trends in politics right now. It frustrates me that governments are focussed on profits before people. They want to run their countries like they are businesses but the whole point of government is to serve the people of their countries. All they seem to be serving these days is the 'top end of town'. In their quest for more dollars, they are targetting those who are vulnerable and cannot fight back when they should be targetting the big businesses - a number of which are richer than many countries. In my country, the politicians are cutting off old age pensions for many and getting stricter with the eligibility requirements for disability pensions and welfare support in the name of "budget repair" (my translation: greed and incompetence) to grab funds. Meanwhile the politicians are not cutting their own salaries or perks and are allowing multi-national companies to send their profits off shore...draining the local economy. We are desperately in need of strong leadership in the world that has its moral compass pointed in the right direction.I do have faith that the majority of people on this earth are good people and will find ways to help each other through whatever circumstances arise. Already, just by expressing yourself on your blog, you have discovered that you are not alone in your views. I am thankful that we have platforms like blogger etc. that allow us to write freely. This is a rare thing in the world right now.What a privilege to see your cosy blogging space. It looks very relaxing and from now on, whenever I read your blog I will be able to picture you there. I especially love that your dress form is suitably attired (not naked) and your top looks professionally done. It is beautiful. I admire you for managing to finish so many projects. 2016 can't have been all bad!I sincerely hope that 2017 doesn't live up to your worst fears. I'm praying that somewhere in this crazy world, reason and compassion will come to the fore.Many hugs,Jodie

I just love to look at Little Buddy's sweet face...no matter what side of the bed he got up on. He's always so precious. Your new finish is stunning. I have got to lose some weight so I can wear cute clothes like that. I seem to have gained a lot this year from the meds I take and so much inactivity. But, it's a new year and I hope good things happen. Prayer for the right decisions to be made by our leaders and faith that God will see us through whatever this new year brings. I've been trying to fill one big bag a month for charity. It doesn't seem to have made a difference on the "stuff" we have though. I'm wishing you and yours a bright and happy year Meredith. That the fears so many have will not come to fruition and we all learn to love and respect each other. Much love always my sweet friend.Blessings,Betsy

I too am nervous thinking about how this one man can change women's right after all the years it has taken for us to reach this point.We can only pray congress won't back all the changes he thinks he And he alone can do!!!!!I'm going to start my decluttering this week I have way too much stuff . need to donate lots & lots of yarn and start fresh.Blessing & Happy New Year to your Family.

I totally understand that you want to start the new year in a clean house and literally take a 'fresh' start. I have that feeling too and I've brought 5 boxes away to the thrift store. And there's more we have in common: I was also in my bed at New Year's eve, trying to get some rest :-)What a beautiful picture of Little Buddy, made me smile.Lovely crochet by the way! Like the white top a lot!Hope you have a nice day,Sigrid

It's such a worrying time ahead for you and I think the uncertainty makes it even more so. Fingers crossed that the proposed changes don't come in to force and that the lives of so many people are not cast aside as though they're not important. Loving your new top, that's so pretty.

I am starting this year with a very heavy heart as well. At times the stress I feel for so many in this country is overwhelming. I'm trying to be hopeful but I see what's happening and for the first time in my life I have lost hope. I have no faith in the new administration what-so-ever. They frighten me. I may have to throw myself entirely into my knitting and spinning to get through the next few years. Little Buddy is a breath of fresh air no matter what side of the bed he gets up on. :-) I love your finish. It will be perfect with jeans.

I find I can't wish people "Happy New Year" this year. I told Claudia that it is an oxymoron, especially with that moron we have to deal with now. I still am in disbelief and completely terrified. The people he has appointed are a horror story about to launch. Steven King could not have come up with this story-line.

I know what you mean about a fresh start.... but I can't seem to concentrate with Jan. 20th looming in the background getting closer and closer.

Little Buddy is a sweetheart. How can this group of idiots talk so haphazardly about the care and worth of so many very special people in our country. They should be beyond ashamed.... along with those who voted for such a travesty.

Wow Meredith! You are a powerhouse when it comes to getting things done. While I did manage to put away the Christmas decor before the New Year, I didn't get a whole lot of organizing or decluttering done. But like you I have plans to get rid of stuff. It takes so much time for me though. Everything has to be gone through carefully. But I do get rid of bags and bags and bags, lol....every few months it seems. I think the key is that i must stop buying. But I can't help buying on a "good deal". Thank goodness I am not a hoarder. I am a clutter bug though I do prefer neat and tidy. Just takes me more time.

It was nice to see little Buddy. I'm hoping that things won't be quite so bad in 2017 as some fear. Of course one can certainly understand why you would be fearful but I hope it all turns out well.

Lovely top! I have a similar pattern bookmarked for a later project. It's a terrific summery basic.

I've also got the Declutter/Organization Bug. My house was deChristmased the day after, however; I was not feeling the Holiday much this year, so we did not put much up and were happy to take it down.

As you well know, I share your Political Sentiments. It is a time of momentous concern for all marginalized, minority, and underserved groups in the country. If you are not white moneyed males, you have reason to be worried.

It's always so wonderful to see his sweet face. And thank you for sharing photos of your home, it feels like I've visited a friend this morning. As for the de-evolution of your country, I am so truly sorry and I pray that it doesn't get anywhere near as bad as it is looking right now. Sending love,Andrea

Dear Meredith, As usual, I am admiring you: your great energy, creativity [gorgeous white top], and the love that fuels your life. Your clean sweep into the new year inspires me! Little Joy carefully dusted some of my stuff yesterday and I dusted some more as we put away Christmas decorations. I found more dust today and am trying to banish it! [I culled out a box of books a few weeks ago and donated them to Good Will...but then I have been given even more books so I guess you can't praise me.] Thanks for sharing Little Buddy's smile and your concerns which concern me as well. I am trying to take to heart the verse that says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Sending you more hugs xx

I am glad you are joining me on the mass house clear out, I like the yardage comparison, very telling! Best Wishes to you and your family for 2017 there will be ups and downs but we can hang on to each other even if it is from across the water. Jo x

Wishing you a wonderful new year dear Meredith!I share your fears and concerns and I'm keeping you in my thoughts.Lovely new top you have created here! Thanks for sharing a little bit of yourself with your wonderful photos...Hugs~

Happy New Year, Meredith! I am continuing to declutter, too. Like you, I usually prepare for the new year by cleaning the house and getting everything in order. However, I still have my tree up (though most of the other decorations are put away) and it will stay up until after the wedding. Too many other things going on! I am declaring the week after the wedding my personal "New Year."

My daughter's dogs did NOT enjoy the fireworks at midnight. Nor did we. We were in bed trying to sleep.I love decluttering and cleaning up. I spent many days in December helping my daughter do that. Now I'm home and am planning my 'attack' on clutter.Do you know 365lessthings blog? It's a great place to find inspiration for decluttering.Happy New Year to you!

Happy New year Meredith! little buddy looks excited to start the new year :) I love the top you finished knitting it looks perfect to wear in the Spring. I hope that this year is good to you and your fears are worse than what occurs. All the best for you and your family in the new year!Lisa

Great picture to start the New Year with. You are way ahead on the clearing out business than I am, because I think when I work less I will turn my attention to it. I do very minor sort outs, but not the big stuff. Well done! And you're so busy too. Such a lovely top. Hope all is well for 2017 and enjoy all those boys in your life, well men and boy, but I still call both Mr. B. and Rob The Boys.

Hi Meredith, we spent a few days in a very minimalistic house. It was nice. :-) Therefore, I am determined to give a lot of things away. Of course, I will stop at some point. :-) Good luck with your intentions. Hugs, Regula

Happy New Year to you my friend. I can sympathise with your worries about the medical side of things. Our NHS (National Health Service) was described yesterday on the news as reaching a 'humanitarian crisis'. Let's hope things take a turn for the better, worldwide, although we're all watching and waiting with some trepidation for your president-elect to take up his throne. In the meantime, I love the look of your new yarn!Well done on decluttering too, something which has been at the forefront of my mind this New Year.xx

"As for 2016, I am not sorry to see you go but am very fearful for the year ahead. " Oh Mere, as usual you speak to and for me. This pretty much sums up how I feel. I fear that our society cannot see past one or two headlines and sound bites and struggle to connect the dots that put many if not even themselves at risk with what they support or theoretically do not support. I am hoping the best of us for you and me and LB, our friends and family --just the world. I will not be without hope. Thank you for being you. I'm sorry I've not been around much. All the best.